July 16, 2026
Ms. Escobar introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To prohibit the exercise of the right of eminent domain with respect to Mount Cristo Rey.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act
.
Sec. 2. Prohibition on use of eminent domain
(a) Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
Mount Cristo Rey is a mountain that bears deep religious and cultural significance located in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
(2)
Mount Cristo Rey is a holy site, and a pilgrimage destination visited by over 40,000 people every year.
(3)
A 29-foot statute of Jesus Christ was constructed at the peak of Mount Cristo Rey and dedicated in October 1939.
(4)
Every year, faithful from Texas, New Mexico, and the state of Chihuahua, participate in pilgrimages on Good Friday in the spring and on the Feast of Christ the King in the fall.
(5)
Mount Cristo Rey is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces.
(6)
The Federal Government’s attempt to seize the land around Mount Cristo Rey for the purposes of border wall construction infringes upon the religious liberty of the Catholic Church and all visitors to the holy site.
(b) Prohibition with respect to Mount Cristo Rey
No Federal funds may be used to litigate United States of America v. 14.259 Acres of Land, More or Less, Situated in Dona Ana County, State of New Mexico, No. 2:26-cv-01458 (D.N.M. filed May 7, 2026) or for any other action relating to eminent domain with respect to Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
(c) Prohibition of certain security meausures
No Federal funds may be used to construct, install, operate, or maintain roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras, sensors, or related structures on or near Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico.